There is a happiness in creating. Plants and flowers are
like musical instruments. Together their notes create an arrangement.
In this context, as gardener, I am a conductor and
my garden song sings to my soul.

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Sunday, December 7, 2014

New Year's Resolutions - Avoiding the Epic Fail

Silver Linings - Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago 2014

I have been pondering the "New Year's Resolution" history and success rates. Very interesting reading on history from my sites. New Year's Resolutions track to the Babylonians who used the new year to try to make amends for their wrongdoings of the past year or to purify themselves for the new year. These days New Year’s celebrations are elaborate parties and drinking, as well as the custom of making resolutions for a fresh start the next year. More people make New Year's Resolutions than ever before.

Here are the most resolutions that I've made in the past that have actually stuck!

- Become more involved in volunteering

- Become more environmentally responsible

- Taking a trip (usually expeditions :)

It's very interesting that with all the intentions and "shoulds" not many people actually succeed. Wiki says "88% of those who set New Year resolutions faildespite the fact that 52% of the study's participants were confident of success at the beginning." Other studies say 92% fail. Success comes when the resolution is paired with a measurable goal and when the goals are made public and involve support from others.